This anthology reflects the different stages of the spiritual journey in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, as told through a dynamic selection of teachings from the great masters of all times. Best-selling author Matthieu Ricard was inspired to put together this compilation by a meeting he had with the Tibetan spiritual master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who told the author, 'When one realizes the depth of view of the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism and we see also that they all lead to the same goal without contradicting each other, we see that only ignorance can lead us to adopt a sectarian view.' With that in mind, Ricard has gathered pith teachings from the masters of all times and traditions to illuminate the path: the view, meditation, and action. The book is broken into four sections: Turning the mind to the path The foundations of the practice The path Removing obstacles Each of these is broken down into partsfor example, taking refuge, the six perfections, deepening the practiceas taught by a vast array of meditation masters from every tradition.

Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who had a promising career in cellular genetics before leaving France to study Buddhism in the Himalayas thirty-seven years ago. He is a best-selling author, translator, and photographer, and an active participant in current scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain. He lives in Nepal and dedicates much of his time to humanitarian projects in the Himalayas. His many books include "Why Meditate?", "Working with Thoughts and Emotions", "Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill", and "The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet."

Contents: On the Path to Enlightenment: Heart Advice from the Great Tibetan Masters by Matthieu Ricard

Preface

xi

Introduction

1

PART ONE: TURNING THE MIND TO THE SPIRITUAL PATH

1. The Value of Human Existence

9

2. Reflections on Impermanence and Death

19

3. From Seed to Fruit, or the Law of Cause and Effect

31

4. The Inherent Unsatisfactoriness of the World Conditioned by Ignorance

37

5. Giving Up the Causes of Suffering

45

PART TWO: THE FOUNDATIONS OF PRACTICE

6. Taking Refuge

73

7. Altruistic Love and Compassion

77

8. The Six Perfections or Transcendent Virtues

105

9. Purifying Obscuration and Acquiring Merit

131

10. The Spiritual Master

143

PART THREE: THE MAIN PATH

11. Understanding the Nature of the Mind

159

12. The Hermit

179

13. Deepening Spiritual Practice

189

14. View, Meditation, and Action

195

PART FOUR: REMOVING OBSTACLES AND MAKING PROGRESS IN THE PRACTICE

15. Exposing Faults

225

16. Overcoming Inner Demons

259

Appendix: The Eight Great Chariots of the Accomplishment Lineage in Tibetan Buddhism